The Abia State Government has intensified efforts to restore and improve electricity supply across the state, with ongoing power restoration projects in Ohafia, Abam and Isuikwuato, among other interventions aimed at strengthening the state’s power infrastructure.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Kanu, the second phase of the electricity restoration project in Abam will extend power supply to four additional communities, while work on the Ohafia project has reached an advanced stage and is nearing completion.
He also disclosed that the power restoration project covering Nsulu and parts of Ukwa East Local Government Area would commence within a fortnight, describing the interventions as long-awaited projects designed to address electricity challenges in the affected communities.
In a related development, the state government expressed concern over the increasing rate of vandalism of electricity infrastructure and other government projects across the state.
Kanu described the vandalisation of public assets as an “unwholesome act”, noting that it not only disrupts electricity supply but also places additional financial pressure on the government through the cost of replacing stolen or damaged equipment.
He therefore called on communities, traditional rulers, town unions and security agencies to develop effective strategies to tackle the growing menace and ensure the protection of government infrastructure.
“President Generals of our town unions, our traditional rulers, and security agencies are advised to devise new strategies to curb this growing menace in our communities.
“All relevant stakeholders are advised to take ownership of government projects in their communities, particularly those that relate to power”, Kanu said.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the state government was expanding the use of renewable energy to improve electricity supply to primary healthcare centres across Abia.
He explained that the new standard was for every functionalised primary healthcare centre in the state to be accompanied by renewable energy infrastructure.
Kanu also announced the commencement of construction of a new 15MVA injection substation at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, being undertaken in collaboration with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
He said the project, upon completion, would further improve electricity supply in the Abia State capital.
Giving further details on the Abam electricity restoration project, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, identified the four communities covered under the second phase as Atani, Ndi Oji, Ndi Mmemme and Ndi Orie.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information also addressed concerns over flooding in parts of the state, saying the government had commenced measures to tackle the factors responsible for flooding even before the onset of the rainy season.
“There have been serious efforts on the part of both ASEPA and the Ministry of Environment to clear most of the drains in the state.
“They did all this even before the rain set in. Naturally, you know, with the rains somehow, floods will happen.
“So, the state government is working very hard to ensure that these things, their occurrences are brought down to the barest minimum”, he said.
Kanu added that the Commissioner for Environment had visited communities affected by flooding and commiserated with victims of the incidents.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the state government had adopted a comprehensive approach to tackling the effects of climate change and flooding across Abia.
Ekeoma explained that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) and the Ministry of Works were implementing interventions within their respective areas of responsibility, while the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) had also developed comprehensive plans to address flooding and other related challenges in Aba.
On assistance for victims of disasters, Ekeoma said the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) was responsible for coordinating the distribution of relief materials and other forms of support.
He, however, assured that the government would continue to monitor the situation and ensure that affected residents receive the necessary assistance.
“We will also find out what they are doing to ensure that victims are provided with the necessary support they deserve and desire at this point in time”, he said.
